AU642467B2 - Anti-microbial compositions - Google Patents

Abstract

Anti-microbial compositions are described which contain iodide and thiocyanate anions, an oxidoreductase enzyme, namely glucose oxidase, and its corresponding oxidisable substrate, D-glucose. Such compositions may advantageously further comprise a peroxidase such as lactoperoxidase. The compositions have excellent anti-microbial properties effective against bacteria, yeasts and moulds. The compositions may be provided in concentrated substantially non-reacting forms such as dry powders and non-aqueous solutions which may be diluted to provide compositions with broad spectrum anti-microbial activity. Compositions may be used as preservatives or as active agents providing potent anti-microbial activity of use in oral hygiene, deodorant and anti-dandruff products.

Description

1 Anti-microbial Compositions The present invention relates to anti-microbial compositions comprising iodide and thiocyanate anions, an oxidoreductase enzyme, namely glucose oxidase, and its corresponding oxidisable substrate, D-glucose. Such compositions may advantageously further comprise a peroxidase such as lactoperoxida.e. The compositions have excellent anti-microbi.al properties effective against bacteria, yeasts and moulds.

It is known that iodide anions and thiocyanate anions may be oxidised in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H202) to generate oxidation products which are effective bacterial inhibitors. These oxidation reactions may be catalysed by peroxidases such as lactoperoxidase and antibacterial systems containing lactoperoxidase are known. H 2 0 2 may suitably be provided by a peroxide donor such as sodium percarbonate or may be produced in situ by an oxidoreductase enzyme such as glucose oxidase in the presence of glucose, water and oxygen. Conventional systems based on the oxidation of iodide or thiocyanate anions by H 2 0 2 are known to provide compositions having shortterm bactericidal activity suitable for use as disinfectants e.g. for skin or contact lens sterilisation, milk preservation, or as, dental hygiene agents.

EP-A-0307376 (EWOS AG) discloses a short-term microbicidal composition comprising iodide and lactoperoxidase and/or horseradish peroxidase, together with a hydrogen peroxide donor. Optionally, the peroxide donor may be the combination of glucose and glucose peroxidase, but it rray also be inter alia magnesium peroxide or carbamide peroxide. When glucose oxidase is included it is present at levels of f w la no more than about 100 U/1. The compositions are only shown to be effective against bacteria and are stated to be active for about 24 hours in open air.

However, the importance of the relative proportions of the components of such systems has not hitherto been fully appreciated and accordingly it has not been possible to develop an oxidation system which provides sustained broad spectrum activity against bacteria, yeasts and moulds.

The applicant has now found that the concentration and relative ratio of such components, in particular of iodide and thiocyanate anions, substantially influences 2 the anti-microbial specificity of such systems. Careful selection of the amounts and relative proportions of each essential component provides anti-microbial compositions having advantageous properties.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to antimicrobial compositions which comprise iodide anions and thiocyanate anions in a weight:weight ratio within the range 0.1:1 to 50:1 and having a combined anion weight concentration of at least 5 mg/kg, D-glucose in a weight concentration of at least 0.2 g/kg, and an effective amount of the oxidoreductase enzyme glucose oxidase.

The compositions contain at least 150 U/kg glucose oxidase although lower concentrations, for example of U/kg glucose oxidase may be acceptable in compositions which further comprise at least one antioxidant as de-ailed hereinafter, In a preferred embodiment of the invention the anti-microbial compositions further comprise a peroxidase such as, for example, lactoperoxidase, myeloperoxidase or horseradish peroxidase. Particularly preferred compositions according co the invention comprise at least 10 U/kg lactoperoxidase.

All units of enzyme activity referred to herein relate to International Units of activity defined as the amount of enzyme required to catalyse the transformation of 1.0 micromole of substrate per minute at 25 0 C under optimal conditions. All concentrations referred to herein relate to amounts per kilogram of the total composition.

The term "anti-microbial composition" as used herein embraces compositions having biocidal and/or Iy WO 91/11105 PCT/EP91/00208 3 biostatic activity against various types of microorganisms, for example gram negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, gram positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Propionibacterium acnes, moulds such as Aspergillus niger and Penicillium funiculosum, yeasts such as Candida albicans, Saccharomvces cerevisiae and Pityrosporum ovale, dermatophytic fungi such as Trichophyton rubrum, microalgae such as Chlorella spp.

and Spyrogyra spp. and viruses such as Herpes virus and Picornavirus.

Both iodide and thiocyanate anions have been found to be essential components of the compositions according to the invention to ensure that anti-mould.

and anti-yeast activities are exhibited in addition to the antibacterial activities of the prior art compositions. Iodide and thiocyanate anions are generally included in the compositions according to the invention in the form of salts. Suitable iodide salts include alkali metal salts such as potassium iodide and sodium iodide and mixtures thereof. Suitable thiocyanate salts include, for example, potassium, sodium, ammonium, ferric and cuprous salts of thiocyanate and mixtures thereof. Preferably the weight concentration of iodide anions is at least 5 mg/kg and the weight concentration of thiocyanate anions is at least 2 mg/kg. The weight:weight ratio of iodide:thiocyanate anions is preferably in the range 0.2:1 to 20:1, more preferably 0.5:1 to 15:1, particularly 1:1 to 5:1, and the combined anion weight concentration is preferably at least 10 mg/kg.

The oxidoreductase enzyme, glucose oxidase, catalyses the production of H202 by oxidation of D-glucose in the presence of water and oxygen. It is classified as E.C.1.1.3.4. (IUPAC) and is defined WO 91/11105 PCT/EP91/00208 4 herein in International Units (amount of enzyme required to catalyze the oxidation of 1 .0 micromole S-D-glucose per minute at pH 7.0 and 25 0 Glucose oxidase is available commercially from a number of sources, for example from Sturge-ABM under the trade designation Glucox P200 (2000 U/ml) and Glucox PS U/mg). The applicants have found that both the concentrations and ratios of iodide and thiocyanate anions and the concentration of glucose oxidase used in the compositions according to the invention are critically important for effective control of moulds and yeasts. Compositions according to the invention containing glucose oxidase concentrations in excess of 150'U/kg surprisingly provide excellent protection against bacterial, mould and yeast growth. Comparative compositions containing lower concentrations, for example 75 U/kg of glucose oxidase show adequate antibacterial activity but do not significantly impair mould and yeast growth. In the absence of any further agents which may enhance their anti-microbial activity e.g. antioxidants, such compositions are therefore unacceptable as broad spectrum anti-microbial agents.

The oxidisable substrate for glucose oxidase, namely D-glucose, is generally included in the compositions according to the invention at a concentration of at least 0.5 g/kg, preferably at least 1 g/kg, more particularly at least 2 g/kg. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that D-glucose may be provided per se or may be formed in situ within the compositions according to the invention from suitable precursors, for example, as a result of the breakdown of an oligomer or polymer containing D-glucose. Suitable precursors such as sucrose or starch may be used alone or in admixture with D-glucose and may advantageously support more sustained anti-microbial activity than obtained with D-glucose WO 91/11105 PCT/EP91/00208 alone. The two other essential substrates for glucose oxidase, namely water and oxygen, are generally present in the environment in which the compositions are to be utilised.

The efficiency of iodide and thiocyanate anion oxidation in the presence of H 2 0 2 may be enhanced by the addition of small amounts of a peroxidase enzyme such as lactoperoxidase. Thus, compositions according to the present invention preferably further comprise at least 10 U/kg lactoperoxidase, more preferably at least 100 U/kg lactoperoxidase. Lactoperoxidase is classified as E.C.1.17.1.7 (IUPAC) and is defined herein in International Units (amount of enzyme required to catalyse the reduction of 1.0 micromole

H

2 0 2 per minute at pH 7.0 and 25°C). Lactoperoxidase is available commercially from a number of sources, for example from Swedish Dairies Association (275 U/mg).

It may be supplied, for example, in the form of a freeze-dried powder or in an aqueous salt solution e.g.

1.8% NaC1 or 12% NaCl. Surprisingly, the compositions according to the invention which further comprise lactoperoxidase prevent microbial spoilage of certain formulation types which have hitherto been difficult to preserve with conventional chemical preservatives.

The -esseint components of the anti-microbial pref erab(y compositions according to the invention areA-a4I' derived from naturall occurring systems. The invention pre feraby therefore A pr vides a "natural" anti-microbial composition which may be used to replace or supplement conventional chemical preservatives used hitherto.

Compositions according to the invention may, if desired, incorporate further agents which may supplement or enhance the anti-microbial activity thereof, for example other enzymes such as lactoferrin W~O 91/11105 PCT/EP91/00208 or salts such as calcium chloride. Surprisingly, the applicants have found that the anti-microbial activity of the compositions according to the invention is enhanced by the addition of agents having antioxidant activity. Typical antioxidants include, for example, butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, a-tocopherol and esters thereof, ascorbic acid, salts and esters thereof, gallic acid, salts and esters thereof e.g. propyl gallate, quinones such as 2,5-ditertiary butylhydroquinone, propolis, flavenoidcontaining materials such as quercetin, sulphurcontaining materials such as dilauryl-3,3-thiodipropi.onate and distearyl-3,3-thiodipropionate, and mixtures thereof. Compositions according to the invention which comprise at least one antioxidant may, if desired, contain reduced levels of glucose. oxidase, for example at least 25 U/kg, preferably at least U/kg glucose oxidase and preferably contain iodide and thiocyanate anions in a weight:weight ratio of 0.1:1 to 20:1. Preferred antioxidants are selected from butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, a-tocopherol and esters thereof and ascorbic acid, salts and esters thereof, preferably in a weight concentration of at least 1 mg/kg, more preferably at least 50 mg/kg. The use of a-tocopherol and esters thereof as "natural" antioxidants is particularly preferred.

One aspect of the invention provides concentrated compositions in substantially non-reacting form which may be stored for prolonged periods prior to use.

Concentrated compositions according to the invention will usually maintain physical separation of the glucose oxidase and at least one of its substrates, namely D-glucose, water and oxygen, such that H 2 0 2 production is substantially prevented during storage.

Physical separation may be achieved for example by WO 91/11105 PCT/EP91/00208 -7utilising appropriate formulation techniques, storage conditions or packaging in conventional manner.

However, it will be understood that prior to storage concentrated compositions may contain a low level of at least one such substrate sufficient to support an initial reaction but insufficient to sustain activity under the desired storage conditions. The initial reaction may advantageously provide adequate selfpreservation of the concentrated compositions according to the invention. Self-preservation is of particular benefit in aqueous concentrates according to the invention which may otherwise require the use of conventional chemical preservatives to avoid microbial spoilage during storage. The substantially nonreacting concentrated compositions according to the invention are intended to be diluted and activated immediately prior to use by bringing the glucose oxidase and substrates thereof into intimate admixture to produce compositions having the desired antimicrobial properties.

The concentrated compositions according to the invention optionally further comprise suitable carriers and/or excipients. Advantageously the compositions may incorporate at least one buffering agent to minimise the fall of pH which may otherwise occur after activation of the concentrated composition. The concentrated compositions may be provided in the form of packs containing one or more discrete units of an appropriate weight or volume for batch or unit dosing.

Concentrated compositions according to the invention may comprise substantially anhydrous mixtures of each of the essential components mentioned hereinbefore, optionally combined with suitable non-aqueous carriers or excipients. Such compositions may be in the form of, for example, powders, WO 91/11105 PCT/EP91/00208 8 compressed tablets, capsules, or anhydrous solutions, pastes or suspensions. The compositions may be stored under anhydrous conditions for example in dessicators, hermetically sealed containers such as sachets, or in evacuated vials, ampoules or pump packs. Activation of such compositions occurs when they are added to an appropriate water-containing diluent.

Concentrated water-containing compositions, optionally combined with suitable carriers or excipients, may be packaged and maintained prior to use under substantially anaerobic conditions. They may be in the form of, for example, solutions, suspensions, pastes or gels. Activation of such compositions occurs when oxygen is admitted into the packaging prior to dilution and use.

Alternatively, compositions may be provided in the form of two or more physically separated phases in which the glucose oxidase is prevented from coming into contact with D-glucose until immediately prior to use.

For example, compositions of the present invention may take the form of two or more powders, liquids, pastes or gels which maintain the glucose oxidase and D-glucose in separate phases until the two are physically combined prior to use. Other examples include double layer tablets which are dissolved prior to use and suspensions in which the glucose oxidase or D-glucose is encapsulated until released e.g. by vigorous mixing or by the addition of a component which ruptures the capsules.

Anti-microbial compositions a cording to the present invention find particular use as preservatives which prevent microbial spoilage of a wide range of products such as, for example, cosmetic, toiletry and pharmaceutical formulations, domestic household and 9 industrial preparations such as, for example, detergents, and foodstuffs such as, for example, milk and milk products and animal feedstuffs.

Preferably the compositions according to the invention are incorporated as preservatives into otherwise conventional formulations suitable, for example, for topical application or pharmaceutical use.

The individual components may be added at intervals during formulation of such products or may be added together, preferably in the form of a concentrated composition according to the invention, during or at the end of the formulation process.

A typical preserved composition according to the invention comprises 0.5 to 200 mg/kg iodide anions; 2 to 100 mg/kg thiocyanate anions; 0.2 to IO0 g/kg D-glucose; and an effective amount of glucose oxidase; wherein the weight:weight ratio of iodide:thiocyanate anions is 0.1:1 to 50:1 and the ccmbined anion weight concentration is at least 5 mg/kg, in combination with a suitable carrier or excipient. The pH of such compositions is generally between 3 and 9, preferably between 3 and 7, more particularly between pH 4 and 7.

Preferably the compositions further comprise 10 to 100000 U/kg lactoperoxidase, more preferably 100 to 25000, most preferably 250 to 10000, particularly 500 to 7000 U/kg lactoperoxidase.

Preserved compositions according to the invention contain 150 to 4000 U/kg, preferably 200 to 3000 U/kg, more preferably 300 to 2500 U/kg glucose oxidase and to 50 g/kg, particularly 2.5 to 10 g/kg D-glucose.

However, compositions which further comprise at least one antioxidant, for example 1 to I U, .rtae WO91/11105 PCT/EP91/00208 10 10000 mg/kg, preferably 50 to 5000 mg/kg butylated hydroxytoluene, a-tocopherol or esters thereof or ascorbic acid, esters or salts thereof, may contain lower concentrations of glucose oxidase, for example to 4000 U/kg, preferably 75 to 3000 U/kg glucose oxidase. Advantageously, preserved compositions may further comprise 0.1 to 600 mg/kg of lactoferrin.

In preferred preserved compositions the weight: weight ratio of iodide:thiocyanate anions is 0.2:1 to 20:1, more preferably 0,5:1 to 15:1, particularly 1:1 to 5:1, and the combined anion weight concentration is to 200 mg/kg, preferably 10 to 150 mg/kg. The weight concentration of iodide anions is preferably 1 to 200 mg/kg, more preferably 2 to 150 mg/kg, particularly 5 to 75 mg/kg. The weight concentration of thiocyanate anions is preferably 1 to 100 mg/kg, more preferably 2 to 75 mg/kg, particularly 5 to 50 mg/kg.

The preserved compositions of the invention include cosmetic products such as, for example, skin creams, lotions and foundations; toiletries such as, for example, cleansing lotions, soaps and shampoos; and pharmaceutical preparations such as, for example, ointments, creams, lotions, syrups and suspensions.

Compositions may comprise, for example, aqueous or oily solutions or dispersions, oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions, pastes, gels or solids. 7.'opically or pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and excipients of use in such preparations will be well known to those skilled in the art.

In addition to their use as preservatives, the anti-microbial compositions of the present invention may provide the active component of a wide variety of products which require potent anti-bacterial, WO 91/11105 PCT/EP91/00208 11 anti-mould and/or anti-yeast activities. Examples of such products include a) deodorants e.g. for topical administration in the form of roll-on or stick formulations; b) antibacterial skin washes e.g. in the form of lotions; c) anti-acne preparations e.g. in the form of lotions or creams; d) anti-athletes foot preparations e.g. in the form of lotions; e) anti-dandruff preparations e.a. in the form of shampoos or lotions; f) dental preparations e.g. mouth washes slitable for general oral hygiene and in particular having anti-plaque properties, and dentifrices such as toothpastes, toothpowders, chewing gumE and lozenges; g) impregnated materials e.g. wound dressings, sutures and dental floss; h) pharmaceuticals e.g. wound irrigants and burn treatments, anti-diarrhoeal agents and medicaments suitable for the treatment of infections such as Candida and Tinea infections; i) ophthalmic preparations e.g. eye washes and solution, for rinsing and/or sterilising contact lenses; and j) sterilants e.g. for baby bottles and surgical or dental instruments.

The use of the anti-microbial compositions according to the invention in oral hygiene products is particularly advantageous. Broad spectrum antimicrobial activity is an essential requirement of such products, since specificity for a particular group of microorganisms may allow other opportunistic microbes to flourish giving rise to severe infections with one or more specific types of microbe. Furthermore, for W0O91/11105 PCT/EP91/00208 12 organoleptic and safety reasons it would be preferable io use low concentrations of one or more naturally occurring substances if a satisfactory effect could be achieved in this way. In particular, many active ingredients used in conventional oral hygiene products are associated with an unpleasant smell, taste and/or mouthfeel which restricts their use.

A range of oral hygiene preparations may be envisaged which incorporate the anti-microbial compositions of the invention into conventional dental preparations such as mouthwashes, gargles and dentifrices as an anti-plaque agent and/or as a general antiseptic agent, for example in denture cleansing tablets or solutions. T7e oral hygiene compositions of the present invention may, if desired, contain one or more active ingredients conventionally used in the art.

These include, for example, other anti-plaque agents such as bromochlorophenj, triclosan, cetylpyridinium chloride and chlorhexidine salts; fluoride ion sources such as sodium fluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate and amine fluorides; anti-tartar agents such as zinc salts, preferably zinc citrate, and water soluble pyrophosphate salts, preferably alkali metal pyrophosphates; and agents which reduce tooth sensitivity including potassium salts such as potassium nitrate and potassium chloride and strontium salts such as strontium chloride and strontium acetate.

The compositions according to the invention may alternatively be provided in concentrated form, for example as a powder, anhydrous solution or effervescent tablet formulation, suitable for dilution in water prior to use as a sterilant of, for example, dental instruments. One preferred use of the anti-microbial compositions of the invention is as toothbrush sanitisers, designed to reduce microbiological WO 91/11105 PCT/EP91/09208 13 contamination of toothbrush heads, for example by overnight soaking every 1 to 14 days of use.

Substantial reduction of contamination may be achieved in this way without significant tainting, staining or other adverse effect on the toothbrush.

These so-called "active" uses of the compositions according to the present invention may require higher levels of essential components than those required to provide preservative activity alone. For example, preferred concentrations of components are generally 1 to 50, particularly 2 to 20, more particularly 5 to times higher than the levels mentioned above required to effect adequate broad spectrum anti-microbial activity in compositions in which preservative activity is desirable.

A typical composition for "active" use according to the invention comprises: A) 10 to 500 mg/kg, preferably 25 to 300 mg/kg iodide anions; B) 5 to 200 mg/kg, preferably 10 to 150 mg/kg thiocyanate anions; C) 0.2 to 100 g/kg, preferably 2.5 to 50 g/kg D-glucose; D) glucose oxidase, preferably 150 to 20000 U/kg, more preferably 500 to 20000 U/kg, particularly 700 to 12000 U/kg glucose oxidase; and, if desired, F) 100 to 100000 U/kg, preferably 500 to 70000 U/kg lactoperoxidase, wherein the weight:weight ratio of iodide:thiocyanats anions is 0.2:1 to 20:1, preferably 0.5:1 to 15:1, more preferably 1:1 to 5:1, and the combined anion weight concentration is at least 25 mg/kg, preferably to 500 mg/kg, in combination with a suitable carrier or excipient.

14 It will be understood that the concentrated compositions according to the invention as described hereinbefore may be diluted for either active or preservative use. Accordingly, the concentrated compositions may comprise components A B C D E in the relative ratios 0.0005 to 0.5 g iodide anions: 0.002 to 0.2 g thiocyanate anions: 0.2 to 100 g D-glucose: 25 to 20000 U glucose oxidase: optionally 10 to 100000 U lactoperoxidase, and wherein the weight:weight ratio of iodide:thiocyanate anions is 0.1:1 to 50:1 and the combined anion weight concentration is at least 25 mg/kg.

The anti-microbial activity of particular compositions according to the present invention has been demonstrated using the following test organisms representative of bacteria, yeasts and moulds: Pseudomonas aeruqinosa NCIB 8626 (ii) Staphylococcus aureus NCIB 9518 (iii) Escherichia coli NCIB 8545 (iv) Candida albicans ATCC 10231 AsDerqillus nicer ATCC 16404 Each of organisms to (iv) above was inoculated into 100 ml Tryptone Soya Broth (TSB) and incubated at 32 0 C for 24 hours on an orbital shaker.

1 ml of the primary culture was transferred to a fresh flask of 100 ml TSB and incubated at 32 0 C for 22 hours on an orbital shaker. 0.2 ml of the resulting cultuie from (ii) or (iii) or 10 ml of the culture from (iv) was pipetted onto a sterile 0.45 pm membrane previously washed with 2 x 10 ml of Minimal Salts Medium (MSM). The 'membrane was washed with 2 x 10 ml MSM, transferred to a sterile vial containing 10 ml MSM glass beads, and whirlimixed for 1 minute to produce SUBS-TUT? WO 91/11105 PCT/EP91/00208 15 an inoculum of approximately 1.0 x 10 colony forming units (cfu) per ml.

Organism was subcultured onto a Sabouraud Dextrose agar slope in a 300 ml medical flat and incubated at 25 0 C for 7 days. 40 ml MSM 0.05% polyoxyethylenesorbitan monooleate (Tween 80) was pipetted onto the slope to suspend the A. niger spores.

The suspension was pipetted onto a 0.45 Im membrane and the membrane washed with 2 x 10 ml MSM. The membrane was transferred to a sterile vial containing 3 ml MSM glass beads and whirlimixed for 1 minute to produce an inoculum of approximately 1.0 x 10 8 cfu per ml.

All inocula were prepared on the day of use and stored at 4 0

C.

For each test organism 10 g of the product to be tested was inoculated with 0.1 ml inoculum and mixed thoroughly. The inoculated samples were incubated at 25-30 0 C for the duration of the test. 1 ml samples were removed at appropriate intervals and suitable dilutions plated on Tryptone Soya Agar. Organisms (i) to (iii) were incubated for 3 days at 32 0 C and organisms (iv) and were incubated for 5 days at 25 0

C.

Effective anti-bacterial activity corresponded to a 103 fold reduction of cell count after 48 hours and a total kill after 7 days and at sampling times thereafter. Effective anti-mould and anti-yeast activity corresponded to a 102 fold reduction of cell count after 14 days and no increase of cell count at sampling times thereafter. The expression "adequate preservation against representative bacteria, yeasts and mould" used hereinafter corresponds to effective anti-bacterial, anti-yeast and anti-mould activity shown by a sample of the composition when tested and the results analysed as described above. Samples which WO91/11105 PCT/EP91/00208 16 failed this test were not considered to be "adequately preserved".

The in vitro biostatic activity of particular compositions according to the present invention has been demonstrated using suitable test organisms such as, for example: Staphylococcus aureus FDA and NCIB 9518 Pseudomonas aeruginosa NCIB 11338 Candida albicans PH 239 Trichophyton rubrum WB 2 Trichophyton mentagrophytes PHL 515 Trichophyton interdigitale PHL Propionibacterium acnes NCTC 737 Pityrosporum ovale Streptococcus mutans NCTC 10449 Streptococcus salivarius NCIB 8883 Cultures of each organism were freshly prepared using suitable nutrient medium and culture conditions.

A suitable inoculum of the test organism 0.1 ml of an overnight bacterial TSB culture) was thoroughly mixed into a suitable molten nutrient agar 30 ml Tryptone Soya Agar) at 45 0 C and poured into petri dishes.

After cooling the seeded agar plates, duplicate wells for each product were cut using a sterile cork borer. The wells were filled with the product to be tested and incubated at an appropriate temperature for a suitable period of time to allow microbial growth to occur 37 0 C for 18 24 hours for bacteria; for 3 5 days for fungi) The inhibition zone surrounding the wells was measured and compared with that of a comparable product e.g. of similar formulation containing an ingredient known to have in vivo biostatic activity, to provide a qualitative WO 91111105 PCT/EP91/00208 17 assessment of in vitro biostatic activity.

In vitro biostatic activity has been demonstrated against organisms to above. These organisms may be associated with dandruff [particularly organisms and plaque [particularly organisms (i) and athlete's foot [particularly organisms and and acne [particularly organisms (g) and Activity against organism may also be indicative of deodorant activity.

The anti-plaque activity of particular compositions according to the present invention has also been demonstrated as follows. Thin strips of alum-inium were used as an "artificial tooth" surface on which plaque from a small number of donors was grown. Growth was encouraged by the provision of conditions resembling a normal oral environment (saliva, nutrients, pH and temperature) over a two day period with simulations made of the intake of two meals and of a sleeping, low nutrient period. The aluminium strips (and. plaque) were exposed for one minute to a solution of a composition according to the invention with distilled water and fresh saliva or a control of distilled water and fresh saliva (six individual strips for each test and control group). Plaque remaining on the strips after rinsing was dispersed by ultrasonic vibration and the optical density of the resulting plaque suspensions at 570 nm (two replicate readings per strip) were used to estimate the percentage reduction in plaque growth compared to the control strips. Statistical significance of the results was estimated using the two-sample t-test.

The invention is illustrated by the following non-limitative Examples 1 to 56. Comparative Examples A to C form no part of the present invention.

WO 91/11105 PCT/EP91/00208 18 Example 1 Non-ionic emulsion Amount/100 g product 1) Stearyl polyoxyethylene alcohol (sold under the trade name Brij 72) 2.0 g 2) Stearyl polyoxyethylene alcohol (sold under the trade name Brij 721) 1.0 g 3) White soft paraffin 1.5 g 4) Light liquid paraffin 4.0 g 5, Cetyl alcohol 4.0 g 6) Yoghurt powder 1.0 g 7) Glucose oxidase (sold under the trade 75 U designation Glucox P200) (37.5 l4 at 2 U/ul) ppm 8) D-Glucose (nonohydrate) 0.5 g 9) NaSCN 1.7 mg (12 ppm SCN KI 1.6 mg (12 ppm I 11) Lactoperoxidase 550 U (2 mg at 275 U/mg) ppm 12) Water to 100 g Components 1 to 5 were melted together at 65-70 0

C.

The water, D-glucose and yoghurt powder were heated to 65-70 0 C and then added to the oil phase using a high shear mixer (Silverson) for 10 minutes. The emulsion was force cooled to 30 0 C and components 7 and 9-11 (previously dissolved in a small amount of water), were mixed in to give a cream.

This formulation was adequately preserved against representative bacteria, yeasts and mould.

WO 91/11105 PCT/EP91/00208 19 Comparative Examples A The formulation of Example 1 is difficult to preserve using conventional preservative systems and in the absence of components 7 to 11 failed microbiological testing against representative bacteria, yeasts and mould.

Al. Requirement for irdide and thiocyanate ions Comparative formulations in which either the iodide (component 10) or the thiocyanate (component 9) was omitted were preserved against representative bacteria but only poorly preserved against representative yeasts and were not preserved against representative mould, indicating that both iodide and thiocyanate anions are required for broad spectrum anti-microbial activity.

A2. Requirement for glucose oxidase and lactoperoxidase Comparative formulations in which the enzyme components 7 and 11 were omitted failed microbiological testing against representative bacteria, yeasts and mould.

Example 2 non-ionic emulsion Components 7, 9, 10 and 11 of the formulation described in Example 1 were replaced by different concentrations of each as follows: Amount/100 g product Component 7 (Glucose oxidase) 37.5 U (18.75 ul at 2 U/l) ppm WO 91/11105 PCT/EP91/00208 20 Component 9 (NaSCN) 0.7 mg ppm SCN Component 10 (KI) 3.3 mg -pm I Component 11 (Lactoperoxidase) 137.5 U mg at 275 U/mg) ppm This formulation was adequately preserved against representative bacteria, yeasts and mould.

Formulations containing higher concentrations of iodide and 100 ppm) were also adequately preserved.

Comparative Examples B B1. Requirement for five component system Comparative formulations in which the glucose oxidase (component thiocyanate (component 9) and/or the lactoperoxidase (component 10) of the formulation of Example 2 was omitted, were made up and submitted to microbiological testing for activity against representative bacteria, yeasts and mould.

Good activity against bacteria but only poor activity against yeasts and mould was found when thiocyanate and lactoperoxidase were omitted. Addition of all three components significantly increased the anti-bacterial activity and in addition excellent anti-yeast and anti-mould activity was exhibited.

B2. Effects of reducing glucose oxidase concentration Component 7 (glucose oxidase) of the formulation described in Example 2 was replaced by glucose oxidase at lower concentrations, namely by 150 or 75 U/kg (2 or 1 ppm). These formulations were adequately preserved against representative bacteria and yeasts but failed against mould.

WO 91/11105 PCT/EP91/00208 21 However, a comparative formulation containing 150 U/kg (2 ppm) glucose oxidase and 200 ppm CaCl 2 was adequately preserved against representative bacteria, yeasts and mould.

Examples 3 to 17 Optimising levels of components in non-ionic emulsion Components 7, 9, 10 and 11 of the formulation described in Example 1 were replaced by either high or low concentrations of each in a 16-element factorial experiment. Concentrations of each component were as follows: Component 7-Glucose oxidase (GO) 37.5 or 112.5 U/100 g or 15 ppm) Component 9-NaSCN 0.7 or 3.5 mg/100_g (5 or 25 ppm SCN Component 10-KI 0.7 or 3.3 mg/100 g or 25 ppm KI) Component 11-Lactoperoxidase 137.5 or 687.5 U/100 g (LP) (5 or 25 ppm) The formulations were submitted to microbiological testing to determine the time taken to achieve zero cell count of representative bacteria, yeasts and mould (kill time). The results are shown in Table 1.

Statistical analysis of the results indicate that for fixed levels of glucose oxidase and lactoperoxidase the most effective concentrations of iodide and thiocyanate are as follows: Glucose Lactoperoxidase Iodide Thiocyanate oxidase (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) 15 10 28.5 25 12.5 21.5 25 23.5 25 5 6.5 12.5 TABLE 1_ COMPONENT! ppm END POINT KILL! hours or days (d) Example 11 9 7 10 P.aerug- S~aureus C. A.

(LP) (SCN) (GO) inosa albicans niger 3 5 5 5 5 2.5h 14h NK 18d 4 25 5 5 5 2.5h 14h NK n 5 25 5 5 38h 3d NK NK 6 25 25 5 5 2011 48h NK NK 7 5 5 15 5 2.5h 14h NK 14d 8 25 5 15 5 2.5h 14h 21d NK 9 5 25 15 5 38h 4d 17d 28d 25 25 15 5 29h 4d NK NK 2 5 5 5 25 2.5h 2.5h Id 2d 11 25 5 5 25 2.5h 2.5h 12h 12h 12 5 25 5 25 2.5h 26h 6d 2d TABLE 1 continued COMPONENT/ppm END POINT KILL! hours or days (d) Example 11 9 7 10 P.aerug- S.aureus C. A.

(LP) (SCN-) (GO) (I I inosa albicans niger 13 25 25 5 25 2.5h 26h 10d Id 14 5 5 15 25 2.5h 5h 12h 2d 25 5 15 25 2-5h 2.5h 12h 16 5 25 15 25 2.5h 26h 21d 48h 17 25 25 15 25 .5 14h 12h 12h NK no kill achieved after 28 days.

WO 91/11105 WO 91/1105 CT/EP9 1/00208 24 Example 18 Anionic emulsion Amount/100' q product 1) Acrylic acid copolymer (sold under the trade name Junlon PW1 10) 2) Tetrasodium, EDTA (sold under the trade name Sequestrene Na4) 0.35 g 0.1 g 2.0 g 3) Glycerin 4) Mixture of glycerate /acrylic acid polymer, propylene glycol, methyl paraben and Propyl paraben (sold under the trade name Lubrajel) '1 ,3-Butl-lene glycol Hydrogenated tallow glycerides cit-.-te (sold under the trade name Grincdtek CA-P) 7) Light liquid paraffin 8) White soft paraffin 9) Sunflower oL.

2.0 g 3.0 g 2.0 g 6.0 g 2.0 g 2.0 g 1.0 g 2.5 g 0.14 g 37.5 U 2 U/41l) 5 ppm 10) Cetyl alcohol 11) Fatty acid cetearate (sold under the trade name Cetiol SN) 12) KOHI 13) Glucose oxidase (sold under the trade designation Glucox P200) 14) D-Glucose (monohydrate) (18.75 41± at 0.5 g NaSCN 0. 7 mg ppm, SCN) 3.3 mng ppm I) 16) X I 17) Lactoperoxidase 137.5 U mg at 275 U/mg) ppm 18) Water t 0 to 100 g WO 91/11105 PCr/EP91/00208 25 Majority of water (component 18) was heated to 0 C, component 1 was added and the mixture was evenly dispersed using a high shear mixer (Silverson) minutes. Components 2 to 5 were added and the mixture was heated to 75 0 C. Components 6 to 11 were mixed together, heated to 75 0 C and mixed into the water mixture using the high shear mixer for 5 minutes.

Component 12 was added, the mixture homogenised using the high shear mixer for a further 5 mir.utes and then rapidly cooled to 30°C. Components 13 to 17 (previously dissolved in a small amount of water) were added and the mixture made up to 100 g to give a cream.

This formulation was adequately preserved against representative bacteria, yeasts and mould over a period of one month at room temperature.

Comparative Examples C Comparative formulations were made up in which one component selected from glucose oxidase, KI, NaSCN and lactoperoxidase was omitted and tested against representative bacteria, yeasts and mould. Results may be summarised as follows: Omission of glucose oxidase resulted in failure against P.aeruginosa and C.albicans.

(ii) Omission of iodide resulted in failure against yeasts and mould.

(iii) Omission of thiocyanate resulted in failure against mould.

(iv) Omission of lactoperoxidase did not significantly impair preservative activity against bacteria, yeasts or mould.

These results indicate that at least four components, namely glucose oxidase, glucose, iodide and WO 91/11105 PCM/EP9/110208 26 thiocyanate, are essential components required to give broad spectrum anti-microbial activity. Whilst lactoperoxidase is an essential component of the yoghurt-containing non-ionic formulation in Example 1 it does not appear to be essential for broad spectrum preservation of the anionic emulsion formulation of Example 18.

Example 19 Anionic emulsion The formulation of Example 18 was made up with the addition of 50 mg/100 g product (500 ppm) of butylated hydroxytoluene to the oil phase (components 6 to 11).

This formulation was adequately preserved against representative bacteria, yeasts and mould over a period of nine months at room temperature.

Example 20 Anionic emulsion Component 15 of the formulation described in Example 18 was replaced by 1.4 mg (10 ppm SCN NaSCN.

This formulation was adequately preserved against representative bacteria, yeasts and mould over a period of six months at room temperature.

In addition to good long-term anti-microbial activity against representative bacteria, yeasts and mould, the formulation of Example 20 was also submitted to short-term microbiological testing against a broad range of bacteria, yeasts and moulds as follows: BACTERIA Sample times 2, 4, 24, 72 hours: Micrococcus flavus Staphylococcus aureus NCIB 9518 Streptococcus faecalis NCTC 8213 WO 91/11105 PCT/EP91/00208 27 Pseudomonas aeruginosa NCTC 6750 Pseudomonas fluorescens NCIB 9046 Proteus vulgaris NCTC 4635 Escherichia coli NCTC 5934 Klebsiella aerogenes NCTC 418 Enterobacter cloacae 146 Salmonella typhimurium NCTC 74 Serratia marcescens YEASTS and MOULDS Sample times 0, 3, 7 and 14 days: Candida albicans ATCC 10231 Saccharomyces cerevisiae NCYC o7 Stachybotrys atra IMI 82021 Myrothecium verrucaria IMI 45541 Aspergillus niger ATCC 16404 Cladosporium herbarium 1030 Penicillium funiculosum IMI 87160 Trichoderma viride 1096 This formulation showed excellent activity against each of the afore-mentioned microbes when compared to a control formulation in which components 13 to 17 had been omitted.

Example 21 Non-ionic emulsion Amount/100 g product 1) A mixture of behenyl dimethyl benzylammonium chloride and propylene glycol (sold under the trade name Incroquat Behenyl BDQP) 1.0 g 2) Polyoxyethylene stearyl stearate (sold under the trade name Arlatone 985) 2.0 g 3) Polyoxyethylene stearyl ether (sold under the trade name Brij 76) 1.6 g 4) Glycercl stearate (sold under the trade name Monostearin NSE Edible Bibby) 2.0 g WO 91/11105 PCT/EP91/00208 28 Cetyl alcohol 1.2 g 6) Mineral oil (sold under the trade name Klearol AB&L) 3.0 g 7) PVP/Hexadecene copolymer (sold under the trade name Jnimer U151) 0.4 g 8) Dimethicone (sold under the trade designation Silicone Fluid F111/20) 2.0 g 9) Glucose oxidase (sold under 37.5 U the trade designation (18.75 1l at 2 U/l) Glucox P200) 5 ppm D-Glucose (monohydrate) 0.5 g 11) NaSCN 0.7 mg ppm SCN 12) KI 3.3 mg (25 ppm I 13) Lactoperoxidase 137.5 U mg at 275 U/mg) ppm 14) Water to 100 g Components 7 and 14 were mixed and heated to 65-70 0 C. Components 1 to 6 and 8 were mixed and heated to 65-70 0 C and then addnd to the aqueous mixture using a high shear mixer (Silverson) for 10 minutes. The emulsion was rapidly cooled to 30-35 0 C and then components 9 to 13 (previously dissolved in a small amount of water) were added to give a cream.

This formulation was adequately preserved against representative bacteria, yeasts and mould.

Example 22 Non-ionic emulsion Components 11 and 12 of the formulation described in Example 21 were replaced by higher concentrations of each as follows: WO 91/111055 PCT/EP91/00208 29 Component 11 NaSCN Component 12 KI 4.2 mg ppm SCN 6.6 mg ppm I This formulation was adequately preserved against representative bacteria, yeasts and mould over a period of six months at room temperature.

Example 23 Shampoo Amount/100 g product 2.5 a 1) NaCl.

2) Citric .acid monohydrate 50 mg 3) Sodium laureth-2-sulphate (23% solution containing 0.07% formaldehyde) 4) Mixture of diethanolamides (sold under the trade name Empilan CDE) 25 g Butylated hydroxytoluene 6) Glucose oxidase (sold under the trade designation Glucox P200) 7) D-Glucose (monohydrate) 5 mg 37.5 U (18.75 4l at 2 U/4l) 5 ppm 0.5 g 8) NaSCN 0.7 mg ppm SCN 3.3 mg ppm I 9) KI Lactoperoxidase 137.5 U mg at 275 U/mg) ppm 11) Water to 100 g Components 1 and 2 were dissolved in 55% of the water (component 11). Conmpo:ent 3 was stirred into the solution and the mixture heated to 35 0 C. Component 4 was warmed to 35 0 C and component 5 dissolved therein WO 91/11105 PCT/EP91/00208 30 with stirring. The solution of components 4 and 5 was stirred into the aqueous mixture, stirring continued for 10 minutes and then the mixture rapidly cooled to 25-300C. Components 6 to 10 were added, the pH adjusted to pH 5-6 if required and the mixture made up to 100 g to give a shampoo.

This formulation was adequately preserved against representative bacteria, yeasts and mould over a period of twelve months at room temperature.

Examples 24 and 25 Stick deodorants Amount/100 g product 1) Sodium stearate 2) Butylene glycol 3) Oleyl alcohol (sold under the trade name Novol) 6.0 g 70.8 g 5.0 g 8.0 g 0.05 g 4) Sorbitol Tetrasodium EDTA (sold under the trade name Sequestrene Na4) 6) Glucose oxidase (sold under the trade designation Glucox P200) 7) D-Glucose (monohydrate) 375 or 1125 U (188 or 563 ul at 2 'U/I) 50 or 150 ppm 5.0 g 8) NaSCN 7.0 mg ppm SCN 33 mg (250 ppm I 9) Kl Lactoperoxidase 1375 U mg at 275 U/mg) ppm 11) Water to 100 g WO 91/11105 PCr/EP91/00208 31 Components 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 11 were heated to 0 C, component 1 added and the mixture stirred using a high shear mixer (Silverson) for 10 minutes.

Components 6, 8, 9 and 10 (previously dissolved in a small amount of water) were added at approximately 45 0

C

and the mixture made up to weight with water and stirred well before pouring into deodorant sticks.

Both formulations initially showed good in vitro biostatic activity agains two strains of S.aureus.

Example 26 Sunscreen cream Amount/.100 g product 1) Cyclomethicone (sold under the trade.

designation Silicone Fluid 344DC) 6.0 g 2) A mixture of silicone copolyol and cyclomethicone (sold under the trade designation Silicone Fluid 3225C) 10.0 g 3) Cetyl dimethicone (sold under the trade name Abil B9801) 2.0 g 4) Ethoxylated hydrogenated castor oil (sold under the trade name Arlacel 989) 3.0 g Isopropyl palmitate 5.0 g 6) Light liquid paraffin 5.0 g 7) Titanium dioxide coated with aluminium stearate (sold under the trade designation MT1OOT) 7.5 g 8) 1,3-Butylene glycol 3.0 g 9) NaC1 1.0 g Glucose oxidase (sold under 37.5 U the trade designation (18.75 4l at 2 U/4l) Glucox P200) 5 ppm 11) D-Glucose (monohydrate) 0.5 g 12) NaSCN 0.7 mg ppm SCN WO 91/11105 PCT/EP91/00208 32 13) KI 3.3 mg ppm I 14) Lactoperoxidase 137.5 U mg at 275 U/mg) ppm Water to 100 g Component 7 was added to components 1 to 6 using a high shear mixer (Silverson). Components 8, 9 and were slowly added with constant stirring and then components 10 to 14 were added. The mixture was homogenised using the Silverson for 5 minutes to give a cream.

This formulation was adequately preserved against representative bacteria, yeasts and mould over a period of one month at room temperature Example 27 Anti-dandruff shampoo Amount/100 g product 1) Sodium laureth-2-sulphate (23% solution containing 0.07% formaldehyde) 55 g 2) Zinc sulphate 3) Mixture of diethanolamides (sold under the trade name Empilan CDE) 0.1 g 5.0 g 1.0 g 3.0 g 4) Stearic acid toilet 5) Mixture of mono and distearates (sold under the trade name Empilan EGMS) 6) Glucose oxidase (sold under the trade designation Glucox P200) 7) D-Glucose (monohydrate) 187.5 U (93.75 4l at 2 U/4l) 25 ppm 0.5 g 8) NaSCN 3.5 mg 1;25 ppm SCN 16.5 mg (125 ppm I 9) KI WO 91/11105 PCT/EP91/00208 33 Lactoperoxidase 3437.5 U (12.5 mg at 275 U/mg) 125 ppm 11) Water to 100 g Components 1, 2 and 11 were heated together to 0 C. Components 3 to 5 were heated together to 70 0

C

and then added to the aqueous mixture and stirred for minutes. The mixture was cooled rapidly to room temperature and components 6 to 10 added to give a shampoo.

This formulation showed good in vitro biostatic activity, initially and after storage for two months, against S.aureus and two strains of Pityrosporum ovale.

Example 28 Anti-dandruff shampoo Components 6, 8, 9 and 10 of the formulation described in Example 27 were replaced by different concentrations of each as follows: Component 6 (Glucose oxidase) Component 8 (NaSCN) 750 U (375 l at 2 U/ll) 100 ppm 16.8 mg (120 ppm SCN 15.8 mg (120 ppm I) 5500 n1 mg at 275 U/mg) 200 ppm Conmponent 9 (KI) Component 10 (Lactoperoxidase) This formulation showed good in vitro biostatic activity, initially and after storage for two months, against S.aureus (FDA) and two strains of Pityrosporum ovale.

WO 91/11105 PCT/EP91/00208 34 Example 29 Roll-on deodorant Amount/100 g product 1) Tetrasodium EDTA (sold under the trade name Sequestrene Na4) 2) Mixture of stearates (sold under the trade name Cithrol GMS A/S) 3) Ethoxylated fatty alcohol (sold under the trade name Cromul EM 0685) 4) Light liquid paraffin Glucose oxidase (sold under the trade designation (375 Glucox P200) 6) D-Glucose (monohydrate) 7) NaSCN 0.1 g 3.0 g 2.5 g 3.0 g 750 U 4l at 2 U/ul) 100 ppm 5.0 g 16.8 mg (120 ppm SCN) 15.8 mg (120 ppm I 5500 U Sat 275 U/mg) 200 ppm to 100 g 8) KI me 9) Lactoperoxidase Water Components 2, 3 and 4 were mixed and added to a solution of component 1 in water. Components 5 to 9 were added to give a deodorant lotion.

This formulation initially showed good in vitro biostatic activity against two strains of S.aureus.

Examples 30 and 31 Roll-on deodorants Components 5, 7, 8 and 9 of the formulation described in Example 29 were replaced by different concentrations of each as follows: WO 91/11105 PCT/EP91/00208 35 Component 5 (Glucose oxidase) Component 7 (NaSCN) Component 8 (KI) Component 9 (Lactoperoxidase) 375 or 1125 U (188 or 563 41 at 2 U/l) or 150 ppm 7 mg ppm SCN 33 mg (250 ppm I 1375 U mg at 275 U/mg) ppm Both formulations initially showed good in vitro biostatic activity against two strains of S.aureus.

Example 32 Cream for athlete's foot 1) Myristyl ether propionate (sold under the trade name Crodamol PMP) 2) Capric/caprylic triglyceride (sold under the trade name Miglyol 810) 3) Cetostearyl alcohol 4) Blend of fatty alcohols (soldi under the trade name Polawax) Polyethylene glycol 6) Polyethoxylated cetostearyl alcohol (sold under the trade name Cetomacrogol 1000 BP) 7) Citric acid monohydrate 8) Sodium citrate 9) Glucose oxidase (sold under the trade designation (375 Glucox P200) D-Glucose (monohydrate) 11) NaSCN Amount/100 g product 16.0 g 15.0 1 1.0 g 0.18 g 0.78 g 750 U l1 at 2 U/4l) 100 ppm 0.5 g 16.8 mg (120 ppm SCN WO 91/11105 PCT/EP91/00208 36 12) KI 15.8 mg (120 ppm I 13) Lactoperoxidase 5500 U mg at 275 U/mg) 200 ppm 14) Water to 100 g Components 7, 8, 10 and 14 were heated to 70 0

C.

Components 1 to 6 were heated to 70 0 C and added to components 7, 8, 10 and 14 using a high shear mixer (Silverson) for 10 minutes. The emulsion was rapidly cooled to 30 0 C and components 9, 11, 12 and 13 (previously dissolved in a small amount of water) were added and the mixture made up to weight with water.

This formulation showed good in vitro biostatic activity, initially and after storage for four months, against C.albicans, Trich.rubrum, Trich.mentagrophytes and Trich.interdigitale.

Examples 33 and 34 Creams for athlete's foot Components 9, 11, 12 and 13 of the formulation described in Example 32 were replaced by different concentrations of each as follows: Component 9 (Glucose oxidase) Component 11 (NaSCN) Component 12 (KI) Component 13 (Lactoperoxidase) 375 or 1125 U (188 or 563 ~l at 2 U/l) or 150 ppm 7 mg ppm SCN 33 mg (250 ppm I 1375 U mg at 275 U/mg) ppm WO 91/ b, 1105 WO 91 UIOSPCr/EP9I /002O8 37 This formulation showed good in vitro biostatic activity, initially and after storage for four months, against C.albicans, Trich.rubrum, Trich.mentagrophytes and Trich.interdigitale.

Example 35 Glycol paint for athlete's foot or acne Amount/1OD g product 1) Propylene glycol 50 g 2) G-Ilucose oxidase (sold under the trade designation Gl'icox P200) 3) D-Glucose (monohydrate) 750 U (375 41 at 2 U/41l) 100 ppm 0.5 g 4) NaSCN 16.8 mug (120 ppm SCN) 15.8 mug (12 0 ppm I 5) K 6) Lactoperoxidase 5500 U mug at 275 U/mg) 200 ppm 7) Water to *l00 g Components 1 to 7 were evenly dispersed to give a glycol paint.

This formulation showed good in vitro biostatic activity, initially and after storage for three months, against two strains of S.aureus and against Prop.acnes, C.albicans, Trich.rubrum, Trich. mentagroph tes -and Trich. interdigitale.

WO 91/11105 PCT/EP91/00208 38 Example 36 Glycol paint for athlete's foot or acne Components 2, 4, 5 and 6 of the formulation described in Example 35 were replaced by different concentrations of each as follows:- Component 2 (Glucose oxidase) Component 4 (NaSCE, Component 5 (KI) Component 6 (Lactoperoxidase) 1125 U (563 ul at 2 U/4l) 150 ppm 7 mg ppm SCN 33 mg (250 ppm I 1375 U mg at 275 U/mg) ppm This formulation showed good in vitro biostatic activity, initially and after storage for three months, against two strains of S.aureus and against Prop.acnes, C.albicans, Trich.rubrum, Trich. mentagrophytes and Trich.interdigitale.

example 37 Sterilant Solution concentrated tablet Amount/100 g final product 1) Glucose oxidase (sold under the trade designation Glucox PS) 2) D-Glucose (monohydrate) 187.5 U (2.5 mg at 75 U/mg) 25 ppm 500 mg 3) NaSCN 7.0 mg ppm SCN 10 mg ppm I 4) KI Lactoperoxi ase 6) Citric acid 687.5 U mg at 275 U/mg) ppm 1072 mg WO 91/11105 PCT/EP91/00208 39 7) Polyvinylpyrrolidone 30 mg 8) Sodium bicarbonate (granular) 1406 mg Components 2 and 6 were mixed and granulated with isopropyl alcohol and polyvinylpyrrolidone (Component The granulate was dried and sieved and blended with components 1, 3, 4, 5 and 8. The mixture was compressed in a tabletting machine to give a 3 g concentrated sterilant tablet. One sterilant tablet was dissolved in 100 ml of water immediately prior to use to give a sterilant solution.

Example 38 Sterilant Solution concentrated tablet Amount/100 g final product 1) Glucose oxidase (sold under 187.5 U the trade designation (2.5 mg at 75 U/mg) Glucox PS) 25 ppm 2) D-Glucose (monohydrate) 500 mg 3) NaSCN 7.0 mg ppm SCN 4) KI 10 mg ppm I Lactoperoxidase 687.5 U mg at 275 U/mg) ppm 6) Tartaric acid 1169 mg 7) Sodium bicarbonate (granular) 1309 mg 8) Polyvinylpyrrolidone 30 mg Components 2 and 6 are mixed and granulated with isopropyl alcohol and polyvinylpyrrolidone (Component The granulate is dried and sieved and blended with components 1, 3, 4, 5 and 7. The mixture is compressed in a tabletting machine to give a 3 g concentrated WO 91/11105 PCT/EP91/00208 40 sterilant tablet. One sterilant tablet is dissolved in 100 ml of water immediately prior to use to give a sterilant solution.

Example 39 Sterilant Solution concentrated tablet Amount/100 g final product 1) Glucose oxidase (sold under 187.5 U the trade designation (2.5 mg at 75 U/mg) Glucox PS) 25 ppm 2) D-Glucose (monohydrate) 500 mg 3) NaSCN 7.0 mg ppm SCN) 4) KI 10 m ppm 5) Lactoperoxidase 687.5 U mg at 275 U/mg) ppm 6) Adipic acid 1152 mg 7) Sodium bicarbonate (granular) 1326 mg Components 1 to 7 are sieved and blended and the mixture compressed in a tabletting machine to give a 3 g concentrated sterilant tablet. One sterilant tablet is dissolved in 100 ml of water immediately prior to use to give a sterilant solution.

Example 40 Sterilant Solution concentrated solution Amount/100 g final product 1) Glucose oxidase (sold under 187.5 U the trade designation (2.5 mg at 75 U/mg) Glucox PS) 25 ppm 2) D-Glucose (monohydrate) 500 mg WO 91/11105 PCT/EP91/00208 41 3) NaSCN 7.0 mg ppm SCN 10 mg ppm I 4) KI 5) Lactoperoxidase 6) Propylene glycol 687.5 U mg at 275 U/mg) ppm 9488 mg Components 1 to 5 are thoroughly dissolved in component 6 with stirring to give 10 g of concentrated sterilant solution. 10 g of concentrated sterilant solution is dispensed from a measured dose bottle, measured dose pump pack, polymer or glass phial to be diluted with 90 ml of water to give a sterilant solution.

Example 41 Sterilant Solution concentrated powder Amount 100 g final product 1) Glucose oxidase (sold under the trade designation Glucox PS) 2) D-Glucose (monohydrate) 187.5 U (2.5 mg at 75 U/mg) 25 ppm 500 mg 3) NaSCN 7.0 mg ppm SCN 10 mg ppm I 4) KI Lactoperoxidase 687.5 U mg at 275 U/mg) ppm 6) Pregel low viscosity starch 1488 mg Components 1 to 6 are sieved and blended and the concentrated sterilant powder is conveniently packaged into a foil-lined sachet, water soluble sachet or water soluble polymer capsule. The concentrated powder is WO 91/11105 PCT/EP91/00208 42 dissolved in 100 ml of water immediately prior to use to give a sterilant solution.

Example 42 Sterilant Solution two pack system e.g. powder and liquid Amount/100 g final product 1) Glucose oxidase (sold under the trade designation Glucox PS) 2) NaSCN 3) KI 187.5 U (2.5 mg at 75 U/mg) 25 ppm 7.0 mg ppm SCN 10 mg ppm I 687.5 U mg at 275 U/mg) ppm 4) Lactoperoxidase Sodium chloride 5000 mg 500 mg 6) D-glucose (monohydrate) 7) Propylene glycol 30 g 8) Water 64.5 ml Components 1 to 5 are sieved and blended and the powder is conveniently packaged into a foil-lined sachet, water soluble sachet or water soluble polymer capsule. Component 6 to 8 are stirred together and the powder is mixed into the liquid mixture immediately prior to use to give a sterilant solution.

Example 43 Antiplaaue Solution Amount/100 g product 1) Glucose oxidase (sold under the trade designation Glucox P200) 75 U (37.5 1l at 2 U/nl) 10 ppm WO 91/11105 PCT/EP9/00208 43 2) D-Glucose (monohydrate) 500 mg 3) NaSCN 1.4 mg ppm SCN-) 6.7 mg ppm I 4) KI Lactoperoxidase 6) Propylene glycol 137.5 U mg at 275 U/mg) ppm to 100 g Components 1 to 5 were freshly dissolved in component 6 immediately prior to use to prepare a solution containing components at a level which could be utilised in a toothpaste preparation.

1 ml of this preparation (approximately equal to a typical aliquot of toothpaste used for cleaning teeth) was mixed with 9 ml of distilled water and 10 ml saliva. A control containing 10 ml saliva and 10 ml of distilled water was used. The antiplaque solution of Example 40 caused a statistically significant (p<0.05) reduction in plaque growth on aluminium strips compared to the control strips.

Example 44 Antiplaque Toothpowder Amount/100 g product 1) Dicalcium phosphate dihydrate 2) Precipitated calcium carbonate 3) Sodium lauryl sulphate 4) Sodium monofluorophosphate Glucose oxidase (sold under the trade designation Glucox PS) 74.5 g 23.0 g 1.0 g 0.8 g 75 U (1 mg at 75 U/mg) 10 ppm WO 91/11105 PCT/EP91/00208 44 D-Glucose (monohydrate) NaSCN 8) KI 0.5 g 1.4 mg ppm SCN 6.7 mg ppm I 137.5 U mg at 275 U/mg) ppm 1.0 g 0.2 g 9) Lactoperoxidase Flavour 11) Sodium saccharin Components 1 to 11 are sieved and blended to give the antiplaque toothpowder of Example 44.

Example 45 Gum Health Toothpowder 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) Dicalcium phosphate dihydrate Precipitated calcium carbonat Sodium lauryl sulphate Tetrasodium pyrophosphate Tetrapotassium pyrophosphate D-Glucose (monohydrate) Lactoperoxidase Amount/100 g product 71.1 g e 20.0 g 1.0 g 2.55 g 3.1 g 0.5 g 137.5 U mg at 275 U/mg) ppm 1.4 mg ppm SCN 6.7 mg ppm I 75 U (1 mg at 75 U/mg) 10 ppm 8) NaSCN 9) KI Glucose oxidase (sold under the trade designation Glucox PS) WO 91/111105 PCT/EP91/00208 45 11) Flavour 1.0 g 12) Sodium saccharin 0.2 g Components 1 to 12 are sieved and blended to give the gum health toothpowder of Example Example 46 Gum Health Mouthwash concentrated tablet formulation Amount/100 g final product 1) Citric acid 2) Sodium bicarbonate granular 3) D-Glucose (monohydrate) 718 mg 943 mg 500 mg 4) Lactoperoxidase 137.5 U mg at 275 U/mg) ppm 5) NaSCN 1.4 mg ppm SCN 6.7 mg ppm I-) 6) KI 7) Glucose oxidase (sold under the trade designation Glucox PS) 75 U (1 mg at 75 U/mg) 10 ppm 8) Zinc citrate 9) Flavour 100 mg 200 mg 30 mg Sodium saccharin Components 1 to 10 are sieved and blended and the mixture compressed in a tabletting machine to give g concentrated mouthwash tablets. One tablet is dissolved in 20 ml of water immediately prior to use to give the mouthwash of Example 46.

WO 91/11105 PCT/'EP91/00208 46 Example 47 Antiplacue chewable tablet 1) 2) 3) 4) Citric acid Magnesium stearate D-Glucose (monohydrate) Lactoperoxidase (0.

5) NaSCN 6) KI 7) Glucose oxidase (sold under the trade designation Glucox PS) 8) Flavour 9) Colour Sorbitol (directly compressable granular sorbitol sold under the trade name Sorbit Instant) Amount/100 g product 0.5 g 1 g 500 mg 137.5 U 5 mg at 275 U/mg) ppm 1.4 mg ppm SCN 6.7 mg ppm I 75 U (1 mg at 75 U/mg) 10 ppm 2 g 0.2 g to 100 g Components 1 to 10 are sieved and blended and the mixture compressed in a tabletting machine to give 1 g chewable tablets of Example 47.

Example 48 Concentrated solution Amount/100 g product 1) Glucose oxidase (sold under 3750 U the trade designation (1.875 ml at 2000 U/ml) Glucox P200) 500 ppm 2) D-Glucose (anhydrous) 40 g 3) NaSCN 420 mg (3000 ppm SCN wo 91/11105 PCT/EP91/00208 47 4) KI 660 mg (5000 ppm I Lactoperoxidase 13750 U mg at 275 U/mg) 500 ppm 6) Water to 100 g Components 1 to 6 are stirred together to give 100 g of concentrated solution. 10 g of concentrated solution is dispensed, for example from a measured dose bottle, measured dose pump pack, polymer or glass phial, and thoroughly mixed with each 1 kg of formulation to be preserved.

Example 49 Two pack concentrate Amount/100 g product 1) Glucose oxidase (sold under 37500 U the trade designation (18.75 ml at 2000 U/ml) Glucox P200) 5000 ppm 2) D-Glucose (anhydrous) 25 mg 3) NaSCN 4.2 g (30000 ppm SCN 4) KI 6.6 a (50000 ppm I-) 137500 U (500 mg at 275 U/mg) 5000 ppm Lactoperoxidase 6) Water to 100 g 7) D-Glucose (anhydrous) 400 g Components 1 to 6 are stirred together to give 100 g of concentrated solution. Component 7 is conveniently packaged into a water impermeable sachet.

The concentrated solution and the contents of the sachet are thoroughly mixed with each 500 kg of formulation to be preserved.

WO 91/11105 PCT/EP91/00208 48 Example 50 Two pack concentrate Amount/100 g product 1) Glucose oxidase (sold under 3750 U the trade designation (1.875 ml at 2000 U/ml) Glucox P200) 500 ppm 2) D-Glucose (anhydrous) 25 mg 3) NaSCN 0.42 g (3000 ppm SCN 0.66 g (5000 ppm I 4) KI Lactoperoxidase 13750 U mg at 275 U/mg) 500 ppm 6) a-Tocopheryl acetate 25 g 7) Water to 100 g 8) D-Glucose (anhydrous) 40 g Components 1 to 7 are stirred together to give 100 g of concentrated solution. Component 8 is conveniently packaged into a water impermeable sachet.

The concentrated solution and the contents of the sachet are thoroughly mixed with each 50 kg of formulation to be preserved.

Example 51 Syrup for pharmaceutical use Amount/100 g product 1) Glucose oxidase (sold under the trade designation Glucox P200) 2) D-Glucose (anhydrous) 56 U (28 4l at 2 U/4l) 7.5 ppm 0.5 g 3) NaSCN 4.2 mg ppm SCN 6.6 mq ppm I 4) KI WO 91/11105 PCT/EP91/00208 49 Lactoperoxidase 137.5 U mg at 275 U/mg) ppm 6) Sucrose 66.7 g 7) Purified water BP to 100 g Majority of water (component 7) was heated to 600C, component 6 was added and the mixture stirred until dissolved. Components 1 to 5 were added to the cooled mixture which was stirred and made up to 100 g to give a syrup suitable for pharmaceutical use.

This formulation was adequately preserved against representative bacteria, yeasts and mould.

Example 52 Eve drops Amount/100 g product 1) Glucose oxidase (sold under the trade designation Glucox P200) 2) D-Glucose (anhydrous) 56 U (28 i1 at 2 U/pl) 7.5 ppm 0.5 g 3) NaSCN 4.2 mg ppm SCN 6.6 mg ppm I 4) KI Lactoperoxidase 137.5 U mg at 275 U/mg) ppm 6) Hypromellose 4500 BP 7) Borax BP 8) Boric acid BP 9) Potassium chloride BP Sodium chloride BP 0.3 g 0.19 g 0.19 g 0.37 g 0.45 g 11) Purified water BP to 100 g WO 91111105 PCT/EP91/00205 50 ml water (componert 11) was heated to 80 0

C,

component 6 was added and the mixture stirred until evenly dispersed. The solution was cooled to below 0 C, remaining components 1 to 5 and 7 to 10 stirred in and the solution made up to 100 g with water.

This formulation was adequately preserved against representative bacteria, yeasts and mould.

Example 53 Buffered cream for pharmaceutical use Amount/100 g product 1) Glucose oxidase (sold under the trade designation Glucox P200) 2) D-Glucose (anhydrous) 3) NaSCN 56 U (28 ul at 2 U/4l) 7.5 ppm 0.5 q 4.2 mg ppm SCN-) 4) KI 6.6 mg ppm I Lactoperoxidase 137.5 U mg at 275 U/mg) ppm 6) Emulsifying wax BP 7) Liquid paraffin BP 8) White soft paraffin BP 9) Sodium phosphate (anhydrous) Citric acid monohydrate BP 9 g 6 g 15 g 1 g 0.5 g 11) Purified water BP to 100 g Components 6 to 8 were melted together.

Components 9 and 10 dissolved in majority of water were stirred in and the mixture was homogenised using a high shear mixer. Components 1 to 5 were stirred in and the WO 91/11105 PCf/EP91/00208 51 mixture made up to 100 g to give a buffered cream suitable for pharmaceutical use.

This formulation was adequately preserved against representative bacteria, yeasts and mould.

Example 54 Aqueous cream for pharmaceutical use Amount/100 g product 1) Glucose oxidase (sold under tLh trade designation Glucox P200) 2) D-Glucose (anhydrous) 56 U (28 ul at 2 U/ul) 7.5 ppm 0.5 g 3) NaSCN 4.2 mg ppm SCN 4) KI 6.6 mg ppm I Lactoperoxidase 137.5 U mg at 275 U/mg) ppm 6) Emulsifying wax BP 7) Liquid paraffin BP 8) White soft paraffin BP 9 g 6 g 15 g 9) Purified water BP to 100 g Components 6 to 8 were melted together. Majority of water was stirred in and the mixture was homogenised using a high shear mixer. Components 1 to 5 were stirred in and the mixture made up to 100 g to give an aqueous cream suitable for pharmaceutical use.

This formulation was adequately preserved against representative bacteria, yeasts and mould.

WWO 91/11105 PCT/EP91/00208 52 Example 55 Antacid suspension 1) Glucose oxidase (sold under the trade designation Glucox P200) 2) D-Glucose (anhydrous) 3) NaSCN Amount/100' g product 56 U (28 v1 at 2 U/Ll) 7.5 ppm 0.5 a 4.2 mg ppm SCN 6.6 mg ppm I) 137.5 U mg at 275 U/mg) ppm 4) KI Lactoperoxidase 6) Dimethicone 2.7 g 7) Magnesium hydroxide pumpable 30 USP 7.0 g 8) Aluminium hydroxide suspension (sold under the trade name Liquigel D4 by Reheis Ltd) 40.0 g 9) Sodium saccharin BP 3 mg Non-crystalline sorbitol solution BP 2.0 g 11) Flavouring 0.5 g 12) Purified water BP to 100 g Component 6 was mixed into majority of water using a high shear mixer. Remaining components were stirred in and the mixture made up to 100 g to give an antacid suspension.

This formulation was adequately preserved against representative bacteria, yeasts and mould.

WO91/11105 PCT/EP9/00208 53 Example 56 Eve lotion Amount/100 g product 1) Glucose oxidase (sold under 56 U the trade designation (28 41 at 2 U/ul) Glucox P200) 7.5 ppm 2) D-Glucose (anhydrous) 0.5 g 3) NaSCN 4.2 mg ppm SCN 4) KI 6.r mg ppm I Lactoperoxidase 137.5 U mg at 275 U/mg) ppm 6) Hamamelis water BPC 13.0 g 7) Sodium citrate BP 1.0 g 8) Citric acid monohydrate BP 0.01 g 9) Purified water BP to 100 g Components 1 to 9 were stirred together to give an eye lotion.

This formulation was adequately preserved against representative bacteria, yeasts and mculd.

Claims (19)

1. Anti-microbial compositions which comprise iodide anions and thiocyanate anions in a weight:weight ratio within the range 0.1:1 to 50:1 and having a combined anion weight concentration of at least 5 mg/kg, D- glucose ii a weight concentation of at least 0.2 g/kg, and either: a) at least 150 U/kg.glucnse oxidase; or b) at least 25 U/kg glucose oxidase and at least one antioxidant.

2. Anti-microbial compositions as claimed in claim 1 which further comprise an effective amount of one or more peroxidase.

3. Anti-microbial compositions as claimed in claim 2 which comprises at least 10 U/kg lactoperoxidase.

4. Anti-microbial compositions as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the weight concentration of iodide anions is at least 5 mg/kg and the weight concentration of thiocyanate anions is at least 2 mg/kg. Anti-microbial compositions as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the weight:weight ratio of iodide:thiocyanate anions is 0.2:1 to 20:1.

6. Anti-microbial compositions as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 which comprise at least one antioxidant.

7. Anti-microbial compositions as claimed in claim 6 in which the antioxidant is selected from butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, c-tocopherol and esters thereof and ascorbic acid, salts and esters thereof. 55

8. A preserved composition which comprises: 0.5 to 200 mg/kg iodide anions; 2 to 100 mg/kg thiocyanate anions; 0.2 to 100 g/kg D-glucose; and either: a) 150 to 4000 U/kg glucose oxidase; or b) 25 to 4000 U/kg glucose oxidase and at least one antioxidant. wherein the weight:weight ratio of iodide:thiocyanate anions is 0.1:1 to 50:1 and the combined anion weight concentration is at least 5 mg/kg, in combination with a suitable carrier or excipient.

9. A preserved composition as claimed in claim 8 which further comprises: 10 to 100000 U/kg lactoperoxidase.

10. A preserved composition as claimcJ in claim 8 or claim 9 in which the weight:weight ratio of iodide: thiocyanate anions is 0.2:1 to 20:1.

11. A preserved composition as claimed in claim in which the combined anion weight concentration is 5 to 200 mg/kg.

12. An anti-microbial composition for "active" use which comprises: 10 to 500'mg/kg iodide anions; 5 to 200 mg/kg thiocyanate anions; 0.2 to 100 g/kg D-glucose; and 150 to 20000 U/kg glucose oxidase; wherein the weight:weight ratio of iodide:thiocyanate anions is 0.2:1 to 20:1 and the combined anion weight concentration" is at least 25 mg/kg, in combination with a suitable carrier or excipient. 56

13. An anti-microbial composition as claimed in claim 12 which further comprises 100 to 100000 U/kg lactoperoxidase.

14. An anti-microbial composition as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13 which is a deodorant, anti-acne, anti- athletes foot, anti-dandruff or oral hygiene product. Anti-microbial compositions as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 in concentrated and substantially non- reacting form. 1L 16. Concentrated anti-microbial compositions for dilution to provide a composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14 which comprise components A B C D E in the relative ratios, 0.0005 to 0.5 g iodide anions: 0.002 to 0.2 g thiocyanate anions: 0.2 to 100 g D-glucose: 25 to 20000 U glucose oxidase: optionally 10 to 100000 U lactoperoxidase, and wherein the weight:weight ratio of iodide:thiocyanate anions is 0.1:1 to 50:1 and the combined anion weight concentration is at least 25 mg/kg, in substantially non-reacting form.

17. Concentrated compositions as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16 in unit form.

18. Use of an anti-microbial composition as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 7 and 15 to 17 as a preservative.

19. Use of a concentrated composition as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 17 to prepare a preserved composition as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 11. SUBSIT U -57- Use of a concentrated composition as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 17 as an anti-r~ccrobial active ingredient.

21. Use of a concentrated composition as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 17 to prepare an anti-microbial composition as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14.

22. Anti-microbial compositions or preserved compositions, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the Examples (excluding the Comparative Examples). DATED this 6th day of August, 1993 The Boots Company PLC By Its Patent Attorneys DAVIES COLLIS(,! CAVE 9 ft 930806,p:\oper\dab,721O1.spe,57 INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT International Application No P CT EP 92. 00 2 08 1, CLASSIFICATION OF SU13JECT MATTER (it several ctasic~tion symoociappoly, indicate all) According to International Patent Cieaegl6Cauon1 (IPC) Oft 10 tn1 National Classification and IPC IPC 5 A 01 N 63/00,//(A 01 N 63/00, 63:00, 59:24, 59:12, 43:08) If. FIELDS SEARCHED Minimum Documentation Seatched 7 Classification Systemr I Clceatficallon Symbol$ A01 N Documentation Sear1ched other than minimum Documentation to the Extent that such Documents are included In the Fields Searched 111, DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT' Category Citation of Document, i with indication. where saproariate. Of the relevant Passages t2 Relvant to Claim No. %3 X EP, A, 0307376 (EWOS AXTIEBOLAG) 1-5,10-12, March 1989 14-17,19i see page 2, line 37 page 3, line 8; 21,24 examples 5,6,8,10,12,19; claims A EP, A, 0133736 (LACLEDE PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS, INC.) 6 March 1985 A Chemical Abstracts, vol. 89, no. 13, September 1978, (Columbus, Ohio, US), J. Delville et al.: "Death and intra- cellular degradation of ncobacterlun leprae after exposure in vitro to enzymic free-radical generators", see page 159, abstract 100801t, Biochem. Soc. Trans. 1978, 6(2),

394-5 Special categories of cited accurirnts: to IT'~ later document publised aft the International tilitig data docuentdefiingthegeneal .iae oftheartwh~c IinotOr pnOwity date and not in conflict with the epplihcatfoh but docuentdefnin th 96OW gatpof he rt hic 14netcited 1c, undertand the principle or theory uncenyiitg the canaswered to be at particular tuie~vanc6 invention IE earlier itocument but published on or athar theo international IX" document of particular relevaince; the clairns inventionh filing date cannot considered novel or cannot be considered to document which Mal throw ilOubts on priority ciaim(sI or Involve an inventive sts; which is cited to establish thes oplication data of another document of Particular feloeanco: the claimed invention citation or other special reason (As specifiedl cannot be considered to involve an inventive *too when the 0^ document relemyng to an oral digeacoure. use. exhibitionl or document to combined with one or Mm Other auch Gocu- other means menia,. sucn combination besing obvious to a person sailled document Published Prior to tjie international iing date but In mh itt later than the priority date claimed L document member al the same patent fimily IV. CIRTIVICATIOW Date al the Actual Completion of the into anal Search 6th May 1991 Data Of Miling of ito International Sarch Aeport international Searching Authority 1-MOPEA PA 'ETOFFICE Form PCTIISA2IO isecand aneet) Ijarwary 19141) ANNEX TO THE INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT ON INTERNATIONAL PATENT APPLICATION NO. EP 9100208 SA 44204 This annex lists the patent family members relating to the patent documents cited in the above-mentioned international search report. The members are as contained in the European Patent Offie EDP file on 04/96/91 The European Patent Office is in no way liable for these particulars which are merely given for the purpose of information. Patent document Publication Patent family Publication cited in search report date member(s) date EP-A- 0307376 15-03-89 JP-A- 1061427 08-03-89 SE-A- 8702831 11-01-89 EP-A- 0133736 06-03-85 US-A- 4537764 27-08-85 US-A- 4564519 14-01-86 JP-A- 59231011 25-12-84 SFor more details about this annex see Official Journal of the European Patent Office, No. 12/82